The Iliad Essay PDF

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Kmetz 1 The Iliad Essay When one delves into a well written epic, he will more often than not observe an archetypal model of the classic hero’s journey. In The Iliad, the protagonist Achilles fulfils the traditional hero archetype. Not only does he possess many of the fundamental heroic characteristics, but he also goes through many of the trials and tribulations that are associated with the hero’s journey. From being a divine child to performing impossible feats, the character Achilles possesses many traits of a hero; which invariably help him succeed on his path to “herodom”. To understand the role Achilles plays in the hero’s journey, one must first understand the traditional heroic characteristics that Achilles boasts. Like any good hero, Achilles was born a divine child. Being the son of a goddess sea nymph (Theits), Achilles was born with a superior advantage over his companions and Trojan counterparts. On the battle field, Achilles proves unbeatable; and despite his vulnerable heals, his enormous strength, courage, and skill overpower all who challenge him. In book twenty, Zeus states “If Achilles fights the Trojans— unopposed by us—not for a moment will they hold his break neck force” (Homer 20.32-33). Another heroic characteristic Achilles has is his royal lineage. He is son to Peleus, king of Phthia in Thessaly—which means he is the prince of Phthia. Although all the heroic characteristics don’t apply to Achilles, he partakes in the archetypal hero’s journey nevertheless. Achilles begins his journey with a call to adventure. This call was his social obligation to participate in the war between the Trojans and the Achaeans. After an arduous journey into the unknown world, Achilles and the other Argives begin the fighting. The war between these two adversaries drags on for many years. However, when king Agamemnon disrespects Achilles by thieving his war prize Briseis, Achilles quits fighting and takes a “flight to the sun”. In his self

Kmetz 2 indulgent diversion, Achilles spends his time drinking and making music with Patroclus and the other Myrmidons. Another hero’s journey element that is depicted in The Iliad was Achilles’ passage through a psychological threshold. Achilles’ self indulgent diversion ends with the death of his good friend Patroclus. It is only after Patroclus dies that Achilles decides to re-enter the war – and by doing so, also reenters the hero’s journey. The death of Patroclus is the point which must be exceeded in order to reach the apotheoses and, if all goes well, receive the boon. Before Achilles can do so, however, he must first receive some divine help and special tools. On many occasions, Achilles gets supernatural assistance from the gods. His mother Thetis not only mentors him, but also assists him as well. When Patroclus dies, Thetis comforts Achilles; and when he vows to re-enter the fight, she beseeches Hephaestus and asks him to fashion Achilles a new set of armor. “. . . Tomorrow I will return to you with the rising sun, bearing splendid arms from Hephaestus, god of fire” (Homer 18. 61-62). This unique armor, forged by the god of fire, is Achilles’ special tool, which inexorably helps him gain victory in his quest. Along with Thetis, Hera, and Poseidon also acts as divine assistants to Achilles. When Achilles fight the river in book twenty one, Poseidon and Hera aid him by commanding Hephaestus to start a fire, which boils the river into submission – thereby saving Achilles’ life. After Achilles goes through some vigorous trials (such as battling the river) he finds himself on the verge of the classic “dragon battle”. This dragon battle, or apotheosis, takes place when Achilles fights the fearsome Trojan warrior Hector. “So Hector swooped now, swinging his whetted sword and Achilles charged too, bursting with rage. . .” (Homer 22. 368-369). Soon after the fight began, Achilles lands a fatal blow to the throat of Hector, killing him almost instantaneously. Because Achilles only joined the battle to get revenge for Patroclus’ death, the

Kmetz 3 slaying of Hector would then be the boon. This boon also helps the Greeks in that they will no longer suffer any losses to the hands of the great warrior Hector. Be it The Iliad, Gilgamesh, or countless other sagas, the hero’s journey is a prominent element of literature that can be found in myths, legends, and stories around the world. Achilles is one among many who partakes in the archetypal journey of a hero. In the words of Joseph Campbell “A hero ventures forth from the world of common day into a region of supernatural wonder: fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won: the hero comes back from this mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow man “. Although the Iliad my not have followed that exact literary structure, Achilles, and his fellow characters, followed the hero’s journey archetype none the less....